Longtime farmer dies following crash in Riverhead

A 90-year-old Aquebogue man died shortly after being involved in a two-vehicle accident on Middle Road Friday morning, according to Riverhead Town Police and his family.

Columbus Redden, who spent decades working at Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue, was the passenger in a pickup truck when the crash occurred. Mr. Redden was initially taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center, but was later airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he died later that day, according to Riverhead Lt. Rick Boden.

A car driven by a 74-year-old Middle Island man was exiting Foxwood Village onto Middle Road and collided with the pickup truck driven by 78-year-old Jerome Hogan of Riverhead, Lt. Boden said.

The accident is still under investigation, Lt. Boden said, although no charges have been issued so far. The traffic signal at the entrance to Foxwood Village is a red flashing light, and the flashing signal on Middle Road is yellow.

Mr. Redden’s stepson of almost 40 years, George Grigg, said his stepfather loved working and had been on various Long Island farms for more than 45 years.

“He turned 90 in January and has always maintained at least two, sometimes three jobs,” Mr. Grigg said.

He added that his stepfather was helping his friend, Mr. Hogan, when the accident occurred.

“After retiring from Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue, he would help farmers such as Mr. Hogan whenever he was needed,” he said. “In his spare time he would maintain his garden and chickens.”